Steve Richard Nicosia

About

Former MLB catcher from 1978-1985 who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, Montreal Expos and Toronto Blue Jays. He was a member of the 1979 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates team.

Before Fame

His family moved from New Jersey to Florida when he was young. In 1973 he was a first round draft pick for the Pirates out of North Miami Beach High School. He made his major league debut in July of 1978. He was initially primarily a platoon catcher. 

Trivia

In footage of the 1997 World Series winning Game Seven victory over the Baltimore Orioles, he can be seen punching a fan several times for trying to steal his catcher's mask as a souvenir. He had a batting average of .248 and a record of 11 home runs. 

Family Life

He was born to Berniero and Grace Cardinale Nicosia. He had two older siblings, Nicholas and Lillian. His brother, eight years older than him, was influential in encouraging him to pursue baseball. He is married to his high school sweetheart Pam. They have four daughters who are all involved in sports. 

Associated With

He broke two ribs in a home plate collision with Mike Scioscia of the Los Angeles Dodgers, putting him out of commission for 6 weeks.